The Board remands the appeal to schedule a VA examination and obtain an opinion from an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of left foot plantar fasciitis, as it finds that the AOJ committed a pre-decisional duty to assist error by not obtaining a VA medical opinion to ascertain if the Veteran's obesity was an intermediate step between a service-connected disability and the development of his left foot plantar fasciitis.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the AOJ did not obtain a necessary VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obesity, which is linked to his service-connected disabilities, served as an intermediate step in developing his left foot plantar fasciitis.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot plantar fasciitis
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 30, 2024
- Citation
- A24069987
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, type II diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, left and right knee disabilities, and left and right foot plantar fasciitis to obtain additional medical evidence.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for upper chest wall pain and right sciatic radicular pain, while remanding claims for secondary service connection involving the feet, legs, and ankles.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions and denied increased ratings for several service-connected disabilities, as the evidence did not support a finding of current disability or aggravation related to service.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.